Our local Club member judges read every submitted essay and award winners for first, second and third place. These local awards are $250, $150 and $100 respectively, funded by the Clarkston Area Optimist Club. These top-three winners will be asked to attend a Clarkston Area Optimist Club meeting, held locally here in Clarkston in February, to read their essay to the Club members and to receive their award.
Local Club winners advance to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The district-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation.
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person's personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship! - Optimist International
2024 Essay Contest Winners:
1st Place - Lia F. 2nd Place - Elly R. 3rd Place - Adah C.
Topic for the 2024-2025 school year is: TBD
Who is Eligible: Local Clarkston area students (public and private) under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024 (and not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution). There is no minimum age.
How-To-Enter: Interested students must submit an essay, on the assigned topic to the Clarkston Area Optimist Club no later than: TBD
Deadline: The deadline for submitting an essay, on the assigned topic is: TBD
When: Our local Club-level contest is held in mid-February of each year. The exact date for 2025 is: TBD
Completed essays and supportive documentation:
email to: [email protected]
or mail them to: Clarkston Area Optimist Club, PO Box 891, Clarkston, MI 48347